Dialer.HKZ

It establishes a phone connection with a high rate number.
It changes the security settings of Internet Explorer.
It spreads
, across the Internet.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

July 13, 2006

Detection updated on:

July 13, 2006

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Dialer.HKZ is a dialer type malware. Dialers usually try to establish phone connections with high rate numbers, significantly increasing the phone bill of the affected user.

Dialer.HKZ affects computers that use a modem to connect to the Internet, as the virus modifies the Dial-up network access settings. It changes the telephone number provided by the ISP (Internet Service Provider), which is a local-rate number, to a high-rate number.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it changes the security settings of Internet Explorer, decreasing its security level.

Dialer.HKZ uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.